NRA endorses Heller

The leader of the nation’s largest gun advocacy organization endorsed Nevada’s incumbent senator running keep his seat at an Oct. 12 rally at The Gun Store, the iconic Las Vegas sportsman equipment shop.

“On behalf of the NRA I am proud to announce our endorsement of Dean Heller for United States Senate,” said NRA President David A. Keene. Heller was appointed to finish the term of John E. Ensign, who resigned in May 2011. Heller faces Rep. Rochelle “Shelley” Beverly (D.-Nevada), she replaced Heller in the House, when he left the House to run unsuccessfully for the Senate in 1998.

NRA President David A. Keene

“This election has serious consequences and gun owners across Nevada can truly make a difference,” said Keene, who was joined by Heller and Bob Irwin, the CEO of The Gun Store.

“These gun owners have a right to fear that Shelley Berkley’s policies will harm Nevadans’ Second Amendment rights for generations to come,” he said.

“A victory for Dean Heller is crucial for sportsman and gun owners to enjoy the freedoms promised them,” he said.

Heller said he was happy to accept the NRA endorsement.

“I am grateful for the endorsement of the NRA and I would like to thank President Keene for coming to Las Vegas. I would also like to thank The Gun Store for hosting today’s event,” he said.

“As a sportsman and a gun owner, I actively oppose any laws that restrict our rights as well as misguided anti-gun legislation. Protecting the Second Amendment should be a priority of all elected officials, regardless of political affiliation and I welcome this endorsement,” he said.

The NRA issued its report card for the two candidates:

Dean A. Heller: A: “Solidly pro-gun candidate. A candidate who has supported NRA positions on key votes in elective office or a candidate with a demonstrated record of support on Second Amendment issues. ”